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Ferrari IPO worth $1 billion to launch imminently

Or maybe not. Back in July, we reported that Ferrari's initial public offering could come any day, based on what FCA honcho Sergio Marchionne told reporters at an international economic forum. Marchionne himself ensured investors that the Maranello automaker was "days away" from filing the paperwork. That didn't happen. Now it's October, and the rumormill is churning about all things Ferrari IPO on the news that the company has filed amended IPO documents with the SEC on September 22. Like last time, the launch is apparently imminent – as early as today, reports CNBC – and sources are hearing an offer of $1 billion in stock, or roughly 10 percent of what FCA believes Ferrari to be worth. Back in July, Marchionne insisted that Ferrari was worth as much as $11 billion, despite experts at the time pointing out that this was much higher than even the company's internal assessment of the brand's value. Bloomberg is also reporting that demand for Ferrari stock may exceed supply by as much as 10 times, even before the IPO. Much of this value (as much as half) is derived from the brand as intellectual property, as opposed to its assets or profitability. Part of the brand value equation is Marchionne's attempt to reposition Ferrari as a "luxury" brand, as Business Insider notes – the word "luxury" is mentioned 151 times in the document. The broad universe of branded Ferrari goods, like luxury clothing and toys, are a strong illustration of Ferrari's power as a brand. For traditionalists and Ferrari fans jittery at the thought of their beloved manufacturer subject to the whims of shareholders, a few calming notes. Tech Times reports that the documents confirm that Ferrari will remain incorporated as an Italian company. More importantly, there's no indication at present that Ferrari's new emphasis on "luxury" will change their product plans, meaning ever-faster exotic cars will continue to roll out of Maranello for now.Related Video:

Ferrari launches 488 GTB configurator

Though it may not be as expensive as, say, a Pagani or Bugatti, the bottom line is that most of us will never be able to afford buying a new Ferrari. And most of those who can would probably get one already consigned to a dealer rather than wait on the list. But we can certainly dream. That's where configuration utilities come in, and Ferrari has just added the new 488 GTB to its online customization tool. The system demonstrates just how deeply customers can specify every detail on their new Prancing Horse, from the exterior paint and interior upholstery down to the tiniest detail. Ferrari's lets you choose the color of the brake calipers, the amount of carbon-fiber trim inside and out, the stitching on the leather seats, the color of the carpets and the seat belts. You can even play with the height of the sun in the sky to see how your choices would stand up to the changing light of day. Play around with it first-hand and you'll see, there's really no reason any two should ever have to roll out of Maranello alike. Related Video:

Here's the first production Ferrari Sergio, and it's already been delivered

Not even three months after its production announcement, Ferrari has already delivered the first Sergio, a wildly modified 458 Spider meant to honor Sergio Pininfarina, founder of the eponymous design studio that has turned out so many memorable prancing horses. Unsurprisingly, the roofless Ferrari, the first of six, was delivered to the Middle East, going to the SBH Royal Auto Gallery in the United Arab Emirates' capital, Abu Dhabi. Ferrari handed over the keys at the Yas Marina Circuit, which is currently playing host to the Finali Mondiali Ferrari, the same place the FXX K debuted earlier this week. With a 605-horsepower, 4.5-liter V8, the Sergio can hit 60 miles per hour in just three seconds, although this particular Ferrari is about a lot more than performance. The Pininfarina styling is the real focus here, giving a few lucky owners the opportunity to enjoy concept-car styling in a road-legal machine. Unlike the original Sergio, that debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, though, the production model is somewhat tamer. Blame the necessity that is the windshield. That, though is the most significant change in evidence. All the very best parts of the concept car have seemingly made it through to production, including the lovely forward-swept rollbar and the stylish black element that defines the profile. Take a look up top for the official images from Ferrari, and then scroll below for Maranello's press release. The first Ferrari Sergio arrives in the UAE Abu Dhabi, 5th December 2014 – The first Ferrari Sergio has arrived in the United Arab Emirates. It has been delivered today to its new owner, the SBH Royal Auto Gallery in the UAE, at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit, where the Finali Mondiali Ferrari are being staged and which is home to the Ferrari World theme park. Designed by Pininfarina, just six of this incredibly limited edition roadster are being built. The car was created to celebrate the spirit and core values of the historic Cambiano company in the 60th anniversary year of its collaboration with the Prancing Horse. Needless to say, Sergio was the only possible choice of name for the model, in homage to great Sergio Pininfarina, who sealed the unique, longstanding partnership with Ferrari. The Ferrari Sergio is a genuinely radical car. It is both exclusive and spare in the sense that every single element aboard is focused entirely on performance.